“Thanks, Mom.” I gave her a weak smile. “However, you’re at the top of the good-looking department.”
She smiled. “Well, I know that, son. I am absolutely gorgeous.”
I half-bowed. “You are.”
Haven rolled her eyes. “You two are sickening.”
“Stop being jealous, Agent Barron. It’s not nice.”
Mrs. Barron went back into the kitchen.
Haven headed that way too.
“Wait. Where are you going?” I frowned.
Haven glanced over her shoulder. “You should calmly greet your parents first, and then I’ll come out.”
“But—”
The doorbell rang.
“Go ahead, baby.” Haven disappeared.
I turned and stared at the door.
It wasn’t just the news of Haven’s position that had me on edge. Haven was the first woman that I would let meet my parents. As much as I didn’t want to think about it, their approval was important to me. I wouldn’t break up with Haven without it, but it would darken my day.
They’ll love her. And Haven will stay in my unit. Everything will be. . .
The doorbell rang again.
I let out a long breath, went to the door, and tightened my hand around the knob. Still, I didn’t open it yet.
God, bring me good news. We’ve been talking, you and me. Don’t we have a good thing going, God?
I swallowed.
Amen.
I opened the door.
My mother assaulted me with tears and a hug. “You’re getting married. Finally. I can’t believe it. Where is she?”
“In the kitchen with her mother.”
She sniffled. “Your father told me that she’s beautiful.”
I turned to him.
He was as tall as me. He stared back with a straight expression.
Shocked, I asked. “You said Haven was beautiful?”
“I met her before she went down to Georgia and I have eyes.” He opened his arms. “You did good down there. That was a tough case.”
I hugged him back. Still, tension gathered in my shoulders. “And do you have news of her being in my unit or—?”
“Alex.” My father moved his arms and gazed at me in shock. “This isn’t a business trip.”
“I know, but I want an answer. I will not stand for Haven being taken out—”
“You’ve called and told me that several times.” He scowled. “I will not have you threaten and bully me.”
My mother dapped at her eyes and laughed. “Both of you need to stop being stubborn. And stop playing with our son. Just tell him.”
I frowned. “Tell me what?”
He patted my back. “You’re in love. I had to draw this out as much as I can. I’m not used to you getting so emotional about anything.”
“Father.” I glared at him. “Tell me.”
“Of course, Agent Barron is staying with your unit, but you need to appear rational.” He shook his head. “Unlike how you are at this time.”
I exhaled. “No one thinks it’s inappropriate?”
“Of course, everyone does, but you both closed a case and provided evidence that will result in several Georgia officials getting reelected, including the Governor. Everyone is pleased and are looking the other way.” My father walked into the living room. “Where’s Haven? I would love to meet my daughter-in-law.”
“Okay you both. . .” I turned around and only noticed my father and me in the area. “Wait. Where’s Mother?”
Feminine laughter came from the kitchen.
“She ran in there.” My father shook his head. “We might as well leave them alone. Your mother has been so lonely lately. Lots of hinting that I should retire and travel with her more. She’s dying to have someone to talk to.”
“Retirement. Interesting.” I shut the door. “What’s your thoughts on the matter?”
“I need a replacement.”
I held my hands up. “Don’t look at me.”
“Who else would do it?”
“Someone that’s not your son. Surely, I’m tired of the gossip of nepotism following me around.”
“No one thinks it’s nepotism when they look at your shiny record.”
“We’re not talking about my being director this trip. Absolutely not.”
“Fine, but keep it in your head. Eventually, you’ll be going that way. You’re the only one I trust.” He gestured for us to walk to the back. “Now, show me around. Where are we staying? Which room?”
“I rented you both a nice villa near the house.”
“No.” He grinned. “We’ll be staying in this big house. It’ll give us time to get to know our new daughter-in-law.”
The frown returned. I was finding that I didn’t like sharing Haven with anyone, not even my parents.
At least we will continue to work together.
“How’s Haven doing after this case?” My father asked as I led him upstairs.
“Nightmares.”
“Is she seeing somebody?”
“She has an appointment next week.”
“And you? Will my son see someone?”
“I have her. Haven has kept all the nightmares away.”
“You still need to talk to someone.”
“I will.”
“Good. A marriage takes work, and we’re Kings.”
“We’re Kings? What does that mean?”
“Kings don’t divorce.”
I smiled. “I don’t plan to divorce Haven.”
“Then, you’re ready.” He walked past me and entered our bedroom. “This one looks nice. We can stay in here.”
“This is Haven and my bedroom. Like I said you’re staying in the villa.”
My father chuckled, left the room, and went down the hallway. “Perhaps, the other bedroom will be nice too.”
Jesus Christ.
I ended up letting my parents stay at the house. Haven practically pushed for the idea. She was so happy that she would be a permanent member of the unit and that my parents had easily warmed to her. They had my new fiancé wrapped around their fingers.
The week continued to be calm.
My mother and Mrs. Barron spent a good bit of time together on the beach. It appeared they had a lot in common. They both loved to shop, drink, and play cards. I had no idea my mother even knew how to play poker. Nevertheless, they spent a few times in the casino on the island and won money on nights out.
Each day, Haven and I went fishing with my father. Stein and Richards came along a few times. Forever the workaholic, my father asked us for more details on the Angel Maker case. He wanted to know about our time in Colesville with the dead deputy as well as the clues that led us to Vernon and his grandfather. He even asked about the moment I’d stormed into the church to save Haven. With every detail, his eyes widened in excitement and he stared at us in pure fascination. It was like he was living through us.
More time passed.
Haven went to her appointment with a reputable psychiatrist on the island. When she left, I could tell that she felt better. She smiled more and in time she stopped having those horrific dreams.
Toward the end of the week, our mothers united and sat us down. They’d apparently planned out the wedding on their own, picking Washington DC as the place. We listened and smiled, but I knew that secretly Haven and I would do what we wanted ourselves.